Machine for engraving curved surfaces

ABSTRACT

A machine for engraving surfaces which are cylindrical, tapered or curved. The machine includes pattern tracing means and an engraving tool connected thereto by a mechanism which causes the movement of the tracing means in the pattern to be reproduced by the engraving tool. Means are provided for always maintaining the engraving tool perpendicular to the surface which is being engraved.

United States Patent 1191 Levine Feb. 5, 1974 MACHINE FOR ENGRAVINGCURVED SURFACES lnventor: Jack W. Levine, Levittown, NY.

New Hermes Company, New York, NY.

Filed: May 16, 1972 Appl. No.: 253,724

Assignee:

U.S. c1. 90/13.6, 90/133 1111.01 B23b 1/18 Field of Search 90/13.6,13.3, 13.2, 13.1;

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3/1938 Gorton et al. 90/13.6

32a Z8 Z6 1 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 693,201 6/1953 England90/l3.l

Primary ExaminerGil Weidenfeld Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Seidel, Gonda &Goldhammer 57 ABSTRACT A machine for engraving surfaces which arecylindrical, tapered or curved. The machine includes pattern tracingmeans and an engraving tool connected thereto by a mechanism whichcauses the movement of the tracing means in the pattern to be reproducedby the engraving tool. Means are provided for always maintaining theengraving tool perpendicular to the surface which is being engraved.

18 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PATENIEDFiB SIQM SPEEF 1 BF 1 MACHINE FORENGRAVING CURVED SURFACES This invention relates to engraving machinesand more particularly to machines which can engrave surfaces which areeither cylindrical, tapered or curved.

Cutting tools for engraving' glass surfaces and the like are hollowcylindrical members. The cutting teeth are formed on the cylinder walls,and the diameter of the tool corresponds to the width of the line to beengraved. Unless the tool is perpendicular to the surface beingengravedso that the cutting face is squarely in engagement therewith, theengraved lines will be distorted.

A similar problem arises when metals such as brass, silver or gold isengraved. Thus, the cutting tools used to engrave these materials mustbe perpendicular to the surface being engraved to avoid distortion.Typically the cutting face forthese tools are pointed diamonds. They maybe either conically shaped or faceted.

The cutting tools for glass and metals are supported in the engravingmachine in suitable tool holders. The glass cutter rotates duringengraving. The metal cutter may rotate during engraving, depending onthe shape of the tool and the particular material and pattern being cut.

Machines known heretofore can position an engraving tool inperpendicular relation to the surface to be engraved when that surfaceis cylindrical or tapered for the reasons explained below. However, theycannot position the engraving tool in perpendicular relation to a curvedsurface.

When cylindrical surfaces are engraved, the problem noted above is notencountered with machines known heretofore because the surfacecan besecured in the engraving machine so that its longitudinal axis iscoincident with the longitudinal axis of the engraving machine. Thus, ifthe engraving tool is arranged so that it lies along a radius from thataxis, it will always be perpendicular to the cylindrical surface.

In like manner, a tapered surface may also be engraved with machinesknown heretofore by displacing its longitudinal axis relative to theaxis of rotation of the engraving tool so that the engraved surfacenearly approximates a cylindrical surface. However, when this techniqueis used, only a limited portion of .the surface may be engraved.

This follows from the fact that while one portion of the circumferenceof the tapered surface is approximately concentric with the axis ofrotation of the engraving machine, the remaining portions of the surfacewhich are circumferentially displaced therefrom are curved about an axiswhich is at an angle relative to the axis of rotation of theengravingmachine. Thus, if engraving is attempted on the other portions of thecircumference, the engraving tool will not be perpendicular to thesurface and distortion in the engraved lines will occur.

The most aggravated situation occurs when it is desired to engravesurfaces which are curved in two directions such as parfait glasses,brandy snifters, trophy cups and the like. Asthese surfaces curvecontinuously, they never present a cylindrical surface or a usefultapered surface for engraving. These surfaces cannot be engraved bymachines known heretofore since those machines do not have structurewhich mounts the engraving tool so that it will always be perpendicularto the surface to be engraved without regard to the angle 2 that surfacemakes with respect to the axis of rotation of the engraving machine.

The machine described herein overcomes the limitations of machines knownheretofore. It permits surfaces at any angle relative to .its axis to beengraved. This is accomplished by structure which always positions theengraving tool perpendicular to the surface being engraved.

Generally, the invention relates to a machine for engraving a surfacewhich is curved about a longitudinal axis. The machine comprises meansfor supporting a pattern to be engraved on the curved surface and meansdefining a first axis of rotation. Additional means are provided forsupporting an engraving tool. The last named means is operative toposition the cutting face of the tool so that it lies along a radiusfrom the first axis of rotation and is mounted on the machine forrotation about the first axis of rotation and for movement parallelthereto. Coupling means is provided for coupling the third means to apattern to be engraved. And guide means'are provided for maintaining anengraving tool in perpendicular relation to the surface to be engraved.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, one presently preferredembodiment is shown in the drawings; it being understood, however, thatthis invention is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentalities shown and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a machine constructed in accordancewith the invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the machine illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view showing the details of a portion of FIG.2.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the relation between the engravingtool and the surface to be engraved. v

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a perspective schematic view of the structure for supportingand controlling the engraving tool.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a typical surface which may beengraved.

Now referring to the drawings, an engraving machine 10 is illustrated inFIG. 1. The machine has a base 12 which supports a plurality of meanswhich define a first axis of rotation 16. The first axis of rotation 16is defined at one end of the engraving machine by a first trunnion 18which is rotatably supported on platform 20 which is mounted on base 12.At an intermediate portion of the engraving machine, the first axis ofrotation 16 is defined by a shaft 24 which is supported in a trunnionhousing 26. At the other end of the engraving machine, the first axis ofrotation 16 is defined by clamping screw 28 which is supported on base12 by a plate 30.

A first means for mounting a pattern to be engraved on the machine isprovided. Suitable means may comprise two spaced upwardly extendingblocks 36 which are supported on platform 20. Each of the blocks 36 maybe provided with an arcuate slot 38 (FIG. 8) in which arcuate patternelements 40 may be slidingly received. Clamps 42 may be used to fix thepattern elements in place.

Alternatively, other means for securing the pattern elements on theblocks may be used. It should be noted that the slot 38 defines an archaving its center coincident with the first axis of rotation 16 (FIG.8). It is preferred that the elements of the pattern lie on an arc.However, satisfactory results can be obtained with flat elements thatare positioned to approximate an arc.

Means are provided for supporting an engraving tool. The means comprisea radially directed plate 44 which is secured to shaft 24 for rotationabout the first axis of rotation. The radially directed plate 44 isslidingly coupled to a slide plate 46 (FIG. 2) for longitudinal slidingmovement along a radius from the first axis of rotation 16. The slideplate 46 may be displaced along radially directed plate 44 by rotationof a crank 48 which is connected to a threaded shaft 50. The crank bearsagainst a bracket 52 which is supported on radially directed plate 44.The threaded shaft 50 terminates in a block (not shown) which is fixedto the slide plate 46 in a manner well known. Hence, rotation of crank48 will cause the slide plate 46 to be displaced relative to theradially directed plate 44. At the top of slide plate 46 two laterallydirected webs 52 support elongated cylindrical bearings 54. The bearingsare arranged so that their longitudinal axes are parallel to the firstaxis of rotation 16.

A cross carriage 60 is supported on the elongated cylindrical bearings54. As best seen in FIG. 2, the cross carriage is a generallyrectangular member having a central aperture 62 through which theaforementioned radially directed plate 44 and slide plate 46 may extend.At one end, the cross carriage has two forwardly extending anddownwardly depending spaced ears 64 and 66. The cross carriage issubstantially hollow and supports two spaced parallel slide rods 70therein. Each of the slide rods 70 is received within one of theelongated cylindrical bearings 54 so that the cross carriage may bereciprocated along a path which is parallel to the first axis ofrotation.

At its end remote from ears 64 and 66, the cross carriage supports avertically disposed plate 70 having a dovetail track 72 formed therein.Plate 70 and dovetail track 72 permit the cross carriage 60 to remainconnected to the pattern tracing means as it is moved toward and awayfrom the first axis of rotation. The structure which accomplishes thisresult will be explained in detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the forwardly extending and downwardlydepending ears 64 and 66 define a second axis of rotation 76. The secondaxis of rotation is perpendicular to the first axis of rotation 16.However, it lies in a plane which is spaced from the first axis andwhich is parallel to a plane passing through that axis. As explainedearlier, the distance between the first and second axes of rotation canbe varied by rotating crank 48 to move the slide plate 46 and crosscarriage 60.

A spindle carrier 78 is mounted on the cross carriage for rotation aboutthe second axis of rotation 76. The spindle carrier comprises a firstgenerally vertically disposed leg 80. At its base 82, leg 80 isconnected to car 64 by a suitable pin 84. Leg 80 supports an upwardlyand outwardly extending arm 86. Sheaves 88 and 90 are rotatablysupported on opposite sides of arm 86.

Leg supports a second leg 92 which extends upward and in a directionopposite to leg 86. Leg 92 in part defines a recess 94 which supports achuck 96 for an engraving tool 106. At the far end of recess 94, a leg98 corresponding to leg 92 is provided. Leg 98 is connected to adownwardly directed leg 100. A pin 104 connects the base 102 of leg toear 66 of the cross carriage.

It should be noted that both pins 84 and 104 lie along the second axisof rotation 76 so that the spindle carrier 78 may rotate about that axisthereby causing the chuck 96 and the cutting surface of an engravingtool 106 disposed therein to also rotate about that axis.

The spindle base 82 also supports forwardly and rearwardly extendingtrunnions l 10 and 112. A surface follower 114 is supported on trunnions110 and 112 for rotation in a manner to be explained.

As best seen in FIG. 5, the surface follower is disposed transversely ofthe first axis of rotation 16 and includes two legs 116 and 118. Each ofthe legs in turn supports a large bushing 120 and 122. The bushings arein alignment with and are connected to the trunnions 110 and 112 todefine a third axis of rotation 126. Significantly, the third axis ofrotation 126 is parallel to the first axis of rotation 16 and isdisplaced therefrom. Furthermore, both the second axis of rotation 76and the third axis of rotation 126 intersect. This feature can best beseen in FIGS. 4 and 5.

The body 128 of the surface follower 114 extends across the first axisof rotation. At its end remote from bushings 120 and 122 it has twoupwardly directed legs 130 and 12. The legs are spaced from each otherand are disposed on either side of legs 98 and 100 on the spindlecarrier. Thus, the upwardly directed legs 130 and 132 define a slotthrough which the leg 98 and 100 of the spindle carrier can be inserted.

Each of the upwardly directed legs has an outwardly extending arm 134and 136.

Means are provided for urging the surface follower to rotate about thethird axis of rotation 126 toward the first axis of rotation 16. Suchmeans comprises in a presently preferred form of the invention, negatorsprings .138 and 140.

Each of the negator springs is supported on a bracket 142 (FIGS. 1 and4) which is mounted on ear 66 in alignment with the second axis ofrotation 76. The bracket extends forwardly and rearwardly of the ear tosupport spools 144 and 146. The force generated by a negator spring isconstant. It is distinguished from a conventional spring by the factthat without regard to how much of it is unwound or wound the force itexerts is constant.

At its mid-portion, the body 128 has an aperture (FIG. 9) which iscircumscribed by a ring 152. The ring 152 may be hollow and have aplurality of radially inwardly directed openings 154 (FIG. 7) so that acooling fluid can be discharged into the engraving zone. The spentcooling fluid is collected in pan 155. The ring 152 has guide means forassuring that the engraving tool re mains perpendicular to the surfaceto be engraved. The guide means comprises two projections 156 and 158which are carried on the lower surface of ring 152. The projections liealong radii which are in a plane which passes through the first axisofrotation 16 and are disposed on opposite sides of the engraving tool106. A plane passed through both projections also passes through thesecond axis of rotation 76. Thus the cutting face of the engraving toolis always located at the intersection of the first and second axes ofrotation. As seen in FIG. 4, the ring 152 may be supported on thesurface follower by fasteners such as bolts 164.

A Z-shaped stop 166 is supported by one of its legs 168 on the surfacefollower while its other leg 170 is engageable with a projection 172 onthe spindle carriage 78. The stop 166 is operative to constrain thesurface follower against rotation about the third axis of rotation 126under the force of the negator springs 138 and 140. Thus, the negatorsprings will cause clockwise rotation of the surface follower asillustrated in FIG. v4. However, this clockwise movement is limited bythe engagement of leg 170 with projection 172.

The chuck 97 is mounted on the spindle carrier 78. The glass engravingtool 106 is an elongated member which extends through the chuck and issupported therein for reciprocating movement along a radius extendingfrom the first axis of rotation 16. A sheave 176 is fixed to the end ofthe tool remote from the cutting surface. Rotation of sheave 176 causesrotation of the tool. The tool may be displaced vertically within thechuck. To this extent, a link 178 has a pin 180 connected to theengraving tool through a vertically extending elongated slot 182. As thejuncture of pin 180 and the engraving tool 162 is achieved in a mannerwell known in the art and does not form a part of the present invention,it will not be described in detail other than to say that the pin isconnected to a thrust bearing which permits the engraving tool to rotatefreely while being displaced along its longitudinal axis.

Movement of the engraving tool along its axis is achieved by anelongated arm 184 which is pinned to the chuck at 186. Link 178 isconnected to arm 184 by a pin 188. A knob 190 may be provided at thefree end of arm 184. Thus, movement of arm 184 about pin 186 causes theengraving tool 106 to be raised and lowered withinthe chuck.Significantly, the cutting surface of the tool will lie between theprojections 156 and 158 and will always be substantially at theintersection of the second axis of rotation .76 and a radius from thefirst axis of rotation 16 thereby assuring that the engraving tool 106remains perpendicular to the surface being engraved.

As explained above, the cutting tool is rotated when glass is engraved.ltmay be rotated under certain circumstances when metal is engraved.

The drive for the engraving tool is accomplished by a suitable motor 196which is supported on slide plate 46 by a bracket 198. The bracket has alip 200 which is bolted to the side of slide plate 46. The bracket alsoincludes an outwardly extending L-shaped arm 202.

The drive shaft of motor 196 supports drive sheave 204.

The L-shaped arm supports an inwardly extending adjustment plate 210.The adjustment plate is an elongated bar (FIGS. 1 and 3) which ispivotally connected to arm 202 for rotation about an axis which iscoincident with the axis of drive sheave 204. A slot 212 permitsvertical adjustment of the plate.

At its upper end, plate 210 supports two sheaves 216 and 218 which arefixed to each other and rotate about a common axis. While as illustratedin' the drawing, sheave 216 is larger than sheave 218, this relationshipis not critical to the operation of the invention. Hence, the sheavescan be of any convenient diameter; it being recognized that the speed ofthe engraving tool relative to the motor may be controlled thereby.

A main drive belt 228 is wrapped around drive sheave 204 and sheave 216.Thus, energization of the motor causes rotation of sheaves 216 and 218.A secondary drive belt 230 which is wrapped around sheave 218 is driventhereby. lts intermediate portions are entrained about sheaves 22 2 and224 which are supported on cross carriage car 64 and sheaves 88 and 90on the spindle carrier. The secondary drive belt is wrapped aroundsheave 176 (FIGS. 3 and 4) to drive the engraving tool. Thus, it isapparent that energization of the motor 196 is operative to drive thecutting tool by way of the main and secondary drive belts 228 and 230.It is significant to note that the axis of rotation of sheave 224 on thecross carriage lies on the second axis of rotation 76 so that tension inthe secondary drive belt is not varied as the spindle carriage rotatesabout that axis while following the contour of a surface to be engraved.

A means for tensioning secondary drive belt 230'is provided. The meansincludes a tensioning arm having an elongated hollow cylindrical section236 that is pivotally connected to a yoke 238. The yoke 238 is slippedover the edge of a suitable member mounted adjacent sheave 222. Ahelical compression spring 240 is disposed within the cylindricalsection 236. A rod 242 has one end pivotally connected to an end member244. The end member 244 is pivotally connected to the free end ofadjustment plate 210 for rotation about the axis corresponding to theaxes of rotation of sheaves 216 and 218. Tension in the secondary drivebelt 230 is achieved by the urging force of spring 236 against the endface of rod 242. It is to be noted that the tensioning means is free tomove in response to rotational or translational movement of the crosscarriage with respect to the first axis of rotation. Additionally, it isnot affected by movement of the spindle carrier or the surface followerabout their axes of rotation.

The juncture of rod 242 with end member 244 and hollow cylindricalsection 236 with yoke 238 are about pivots which enable these twomembers to be swung radially outwardly without the end member and yoke.being disengaged from the plate 210 and sheave 222.

The means for following a pattern to be engraved 40 can best bedescribed by referring to FIGS. 1 and 2. The pattern tracing meansincludes a stylus 250 which is an elongated cylindrical member having apoint at its end which traces the pattern. The upper end of the stylusis connected to an elongated cylindrical spool 252 having a radiallydisposed slot 254 therein.

The stylus housing has a substantially rectangular body 260 with anelongated slot 262. It has an outwardly extending arm 264 with acylindrical recess 266 at its end. The mid-portion of the stylus 250 issupported within recess 266 so that it is constrained for movement alongits longitudinal axis. The body 260 is pivotally connected to one end ofcontrol link 268 which has its other end pivotally coupled to anelongated control arm 274.

Elongated control arm 274 is mounted on shaft 18 for rotation about thefirst axis of rotation 16. It is connected to that shaft by pin 276 sothat it can be pivoted into the positions shown by the dashed lines inFIG. 1. It includes a first adjustment slot 278. The adjustment slotreceives the aforementioned other end of control link 268. The positionof control link 268 in adjustment slot 278 is controlled by a nut 280.While the nut constrains the other end of control link 268 in fixedposition to slot 278, the control link is free to rotate about that nut.

A lower adjustment slot 284 retains one end of lower control link 286 afixed distance from the first axis of rotation 16 by a nut 288 which issimilar to afore described nut 280. Thus, the lower control link 286 isfree to rotate with respect to elongated control arm 276.

At its upper end the elongated control arm 274 has a slot 292 which isdisposed at right angles with respect to the aforementioned slots 278and 284.

The body 260 of the stylus housing includes an upwardly extending and'forwardly directed arm 294 which has an elongated slot 296. The slotreceives a horizontally extending pin which is connected to one end ofan elongated stylus release arm 300. The stylus release arm passesthrough radially disposed slot 254 and slot 292 in the elongated controlarm. Thus, movement of stylus release arm 300' about its pivotalconnection in elongated slot 296 will move the tip of the stylus intoand out of engagement with the pattern to be engraved.

A vertically extending dovetail 304 is slidingly received within track72 on plate 70. As mentioned above, the plate 70 is fixed to the crosscarriage 60. The dovetail 304 has a rearwardly extending arm 306. Thearm has an elongated rearwardly extending section 308 which is slidinglyreceived in slot 262 in the stylus housing. Thus, the stylus housing issupported on rearwardly extending section 308 for movement parallel tothe first axis of rotation 16.

A nut 310 is connected to the arm 306 to pivotally support the other endof lower control link 286.

An object which is to be engraved such as the goblet 314 illustrated inFIG. 10 is secured to the engraving machine between jaws 31-6 and 318.As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, jaw 316 may have three spaced radiallydirected arms 320. The arms are provided with a plurality of concentricrecesses to engage an item, such as the goblet 314 so that itslongitudinal axis is coincident with the first axis of rotation 16. Tothis extent, a lock screw 322 is provided on trunnion 26 so that shaft24 and thereby jaw 316 will be locked in fixed angular relation withrespect to the first axis of rotation 16. Jaw 318 is mounted formovement along the first axis of rotation by virtue of threaded shaft326 which is threadingly received in a cylindrical member 328 which ismounted on plate 30. Threaded shaft 328 may be provided with a turningknob 330 if desired.

One end of threaded shaft 326 may be counter-bored and internallythreaded to receive a shaft 332 having a clamping nut 334 thereon. Thus,the threaded shaft 326 is used to position the jaw 318 for graspingobjects of similar size. Clamping nut 334 is convenient to permit quickrelease of objects supported by the jaws.

In order to engrave with the engraving machine, the pattern which is tobe engraved is positioned on the blocks 36. Since the blocks have curvedslots 38, the pattern will lie along an arc whose center issubstantially at the first axis of rotation 16.

A goblet 314 such as illustrated in FIG. 10 is inserted between clampingjaws 316 and 318. Jaw 316 will position the goblet so that itslongitudinalv axis is coincident with the first axis of rotation 16.

The stylus is then brought into contact with one of the patterns to beengraved. This is accomplished by movement of stylus release arm 300 andelongated control arm 224.

The cross carriage 60 is raisedor lowered by actuating crank 48 untilboth of the projections 156 and 158 (FIG. 7) rest on the surface of thegoblet. Significantly, when both projections are touching the surface,the engraving tool is perpendicular to that surface without regard toits degree of curvature or taper. This is because the engraving tool ispositioned between the projections so that its cutting face rotatesabout the second axis of rotation 76.

Movement of the cross carriage radially of the first axis of rotation 16without moving the tracing means is permitted because of the slidingrelation between plate 70 and dovetail 304. Link 268 is adjusted withrespect to slot 278 so that it is substantially horizontally disposedwhen the stylus 250 is midway between the top and bottom of the pattern.

As the stylus is moved through the pattern, its movement is transmittedto the stylus housing 258 and then by way of control link 268 toelongated control arm 274. The movement of the stylus housing 258 isguided by arm 308 which passes through slot 262. However, there is nodirect connection between the stylus housing and arm 308. The movementof the elongated control arm 274 is transferred to arm 310 and dovetail304 by the lower control link 286. By displacing nut 288 in slot 284,the ratio of the movement of stylus 250 relative to that of dovetail 304along the first axis of rotation 16 can be controlled. The significanceof this relationship will be explained below.

The motor 196 is energized. Main drive belt 288 and secondary drive belt230 cause the motor to rotate the engraving tool 106.

The movement of dovetail 304 as dictated by stylus housing 258 andmodified by the relationship of the lower control link to the elongatedcontrol arm 274 is transferred to the cross .carriage by way of plate70.

The motion of the engraving tool 106 in response to movement of thestylus 250 can be summarized by referring to FIG. 9 where the crosscarriage 60, the spindle carrier 78 and the surface follower 114 areshown schematically. Thus, as seen in FIG. 9, the engraving tool 106 ispermitted to rotate about the first axis of rotation 16 since the crosscarriage 60 is mounted for rotation about that axis on radially directedplate 44 and slide plate 46. It is permitted to rotate about the secondaxis of rotation 76 since the spindle carrier 78 is pivotally coupled tothe cross carriage at the second axis of rotation. Translation of theengraving tool parallel to the first axis of rotation 16'is accomplishedby sliding the cross carriage with respect to elongated cylindricalbearings 54.

As it goes through the movements described above, the engraving toolremains perpendicular to the surface of the goblet 314. The downwardpressure exerted by the negator springs 144 and 146 on the surfacefollower 144 assures that the projections 156 and 158 are always incontact with the surface to be engraved so that the engraving tool willrotate about the second axis of rotation 76 in response to changes incurvature. Thus, the tool is perpendicular to the surface whether it isconvex, concave or tapered. It should be noted that reciprocatingmovement of the cross carriage and its rotation about first axis ofrotation 16 are positive inputs to the engraving tool in response to acorresponding movement of the stylus in the pattern to be engraved.

However, rotation about the second and third axes of rotation 76 and 126is dependent solely on the curvature of the surface being engraved.

The lower control link 286 has two functions. Its first function is tointerconnect the stylus movement to the movement of the cross carriageby way of elongated control arm 274.

Its second function is to change the height of the engraving relative tothe height of the pattern. This is necessary to avoid distortion of theengraving on the engraved surface.

The reason for this will become apparent from what will follow.Considering FIG. 1, if it is desired to reproduce the H on an objectsuch as the goblet illustrated in FIG. 10, the goblet is clamped intoposition and the cross carriage is lowered until the surface followerengages its surface. The horizontal bar of the letter I-I when engravedwill occupy an are having the identical sector as that which appears onthe pattern. This is because the entire machine rotates as a unit aboutthe first axis of rotation 16. The actual length of the engraved arcwill depend upon the diameter of the goblet to be engraved. A goblethaving a larger diameter will have an are which is actually longer whilea goblet having a smaller diameter will have an are which is actuallyshorter.

Unless there is compensation, the engraved legs of the letter H will bethe same length as the legs on the pattern. Under some circumstancesthis is desirable.

However, in most instances, it is necessary to vary the height of thelegs of the letters so that they are proportional to the length of thehorizontal bar. Such an instance might occur when a goblet of smalldiameter is being engraved. If such a compensating means were notavailable, each of the letters would be narrow and very tall.

Accordingly, the juncture of the lower control link 286 and theelongated control arm 274 can be adjusted by nut 288. When nut 288 issecured at the upper end of slot 284, the length of the letters engravedwill be the same as that on the pattern. However, as the nut 288 ismoved toward pin 276, the engraved length of the letters will be lessthan that of the pattern. This is because the movement of the engravingtool along the first axis of rotation 16 will beidentical to themovement of nut 288 along that axis. This movement becomesproportionally less for a given displacement of the stylus as the nut ismoved closer to pin 276.

The engraving machine described above has vast utility in that it can beused to engrave surfaces of many varied configurations. Thus, it can beused to engrave cylindrical surfaces, tapered surfaces or curvedsurfaces, both convex and concave. In each instance, the machine closelyfollows the surface to be engraved so that engraving can be accomplishedwith precision. Surfaces of any diameter may be engraved and theproportions of engraved patterns may be controlled.

While the invention has been described with reference to one embodimentthereof, it is apparent that first means for carrying a pattern to beengraved on said curved surface, said first means being coupled to saidsupport means; second means defining a first axis of rotation, saidsecond means being mounted on said support means; third means forsupporting an engraving tool, said third means being operative toposition the cutting face of an engraving tool along a radius from saidfirst axis of rotation, said third means being mounted on said supportmeans for rotation about said first axis of rotation and translationparallel to said first axis of rotation; fourth means for coupling saidthird means to the pattern to be engraved, said fourth means includingpattern tracing means, said fourth means being operative to rotate andtranslate with respect to said first axis in response to movement ofsaid pattern tracing means in the pattern; said third means defining asecond axis of rotation, said second axis of rotation beingperpendicular to said first axis of rotation and lying in a plane whichis parallel to a plane passing through said first axis of rotation; andguide means on said third means, said guide means being operative toengage the surface to be engraved and maintain the engraving tool inperpendicular relation thereto.

2. A machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said guide means laysubstantially at -the intersection of first and second planes whereinsaid first plane passes substantially through said first axis ofrotation, and said second plane passes substantially through said secondaxis of rotation.

3. A machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said third means includes across carriage, said cross carriage being supported on said supportmeans for movement relative to said first axis, a carrier, said carrierbeing pivotally coupled to said cross carriage for rotation about saidsecond axis, a surface follower, said surface follower being coupled tosaid carrier for pivotal movement about a third axis of rotation, saidthird axis of rotation being parallel to said first axis of rotation,and said surface follower supports said guide means.

4. A machine as defined in claim 3 including biasing means for urgingsaid surface follower to rotate about said third axis toward said firstaxis of rotation so that said guide means can engage a surface to beengraved.

5. A machine as defined in claim 1 including a chuck for an engravingtool, said chuck being coupled to said third means and being rotatableabout said first and second axes of rotation with said third means inresponse to movement of said pattern tracing means.

6. A machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said third means comprises asurface follower and a cross carriage, said surface follower supportingsaid guide means, said surface follower being an elongated memberdisposed transversally of said first axis of rotation, and meansmounting said surface follower on said cross carriage for rotation aboutsaid second axis of rotation in response to engagement of the surface tobe engraved by said guide means, and said cross carriage is mounted onsaid support means for movement relative to said first axis of rotation.

7. A machine as defined in claim 6 wherein said means for mounting saidsurface follower comprises a spindle carrier, said spindle carrierextending transversally of said first axis of rotation and being mountedon said cross carriage for rotation about said second axis of rotation.

8. A machine as defined in claim 6 including means for urging saidsurface follower toward said first axis of rotation.

9. A machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said third means is coupledto said means defining said first axis of rotation by coupling means,and said coupling means is operative to selectively move said thirdmeans toward and away from said first axis of rotation.

10. A machine as defined in claim 1 including means for mounting thepattern to be engraved on said support means, and said mounting means isoperative to position the pattern in substantially coaxial relation withsaid first axis of rotation.

11. A machine as defined in claim 10 wherein said fourth means comprisesa control arm, one end of said control arm being coupled to said supportmeans for rotation about said first axis of rotation and rotation in aplane passing through said first axis of rotation, means coupling saidtracing means to said control arm, and means for coupling said controlarm to said third means.

12. A machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said fourth means comprisesa control arm, one end of said control arm being coupled to said supportmeans for rotation about said first axis of rotation and rotation in aplane passing substantially through said first axis of rotation, meanscoupling said tracing means to said control arm, and a rigid elongatedmember having one end coupled to said third means and its other endcoupled to said control arm.

13. A machine as defined in claim 12 including means for selectivelydisplacing said other end of said rigid elongated member along saidcontrol arm so that its distance from said first axis of rotation can bevaried.

14. A machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said third means comprises aradially directed member mounted for rotation about said first axis ofrotation and extending to both sides thereof, a cross carriage supportedon said radially directed member on one side of said first axis ofrotation, means for driving an engraving tool, said driving means beingsupported on said radially directed member in substantiallydiametrically opposed relation to said cross carriage to substantiallycounterbalance said cross carriage, said drive means being normallydisposed between said first axis of rotation and said support means, andmeans on said radially directed member for moving said cross carriageradially of said first axis of rotation.

15. A machine for engraving a surface which is curved about alongitudinal axis comprising support means, first means for carrying apattern to be engraved on said curved surface, said first means beingcoupled to said support means, second means defining a first axis ofrotation, said second means being mounted on said support means, a crosscarriage, means coupling said cross carriage to said support means forrotation about said first axis of rotation, said coupling means and saidcross carriage being in sliding engagement so that said cross carriagecan slide on said coupling means along a path parallel to said firstaxis of rotation, said cross carriage including means for defining asecond axis of rotation, a spindle carrier, said spindle carriercomprising at least first and second legs, said first leg being coupledto said cross carriage for rotation about second axis of rotation, saidsecond leg comprising means for supporting an engraving tool so that itlies along a radius from said first axis of rotation, guide means formaintaining an engraving tool in perpendicular relation to said surfaceto be engraved, said guide means comprising a third member mounted onsaid first leg for rotation about a third axis of rotation, and saidthird axis of rotation is substantially parallel to and spaced from saidfirst axis of rotation, and means for coupling said cross carriage tothe pattern to be engraved.

16. A machine as defined in claim 15 including an engraving tool, saidengraving tool being supported by said second leg and overlying aportion of said third member, said third member having an aperture atsaid portion to permit said engraving tool to extend therethrough, andtwo projections supported on said guide means for engagement with thesurface to be engraved, and said projections are spaced along a planepassing through said first axis of rotation with said engraving tooldisposed therebetween.

17. A machine for engraving a surface which is curved about alongitudinal axis comprising; support means, first means for carrying apattern to be engraved on said curved surface, said first means beingcoupled to said support means; second means defining a first axis ofrotation, said second means being mounted on said support means, thirdmeans for supporting an engraving tool, said third means being operativeto position the cutting face of an engraving tool along a radius fromsaid first axis of rotation, said third means being mounted on saidsupport means for rotation about said first axis of rotation andtranslation parallel to said first axis of rotation; fourth means forcoupling said third means to the pattern to be engraved, said fourthmeans including pattern tracing means and a control arm, one end of saidcontrol arm being coupled to said support means for rotation about saidfirst axis of rotation and rotation in a plane passing through saidfirst axis of rotation, means coupling said tracing means to saidcontrol arm, and a rigid elongated member having one end coupled to saidthird means and its other end coupled to said control arm.

18. A machine as defined in claim 17 wherein said pattern tracing meansincludes a housing, said housing having a recess therein for receiving astylus, said housing having a slot extending therethrough, a guide arm,said guide arm being coupled to said third means and being slidablyreceived in said slot, and a link, said link being pivotally connectedat one end to said housing and at its other end to said control arm.

1. A machine for engraving a surface which is curved about alongitudinal axis comprising; support means, first means for carrying apattern to be engraved on said curved surface, said first means beingcoupled to said support means; second means defining a first axis ofrotation, said second means being mounted on said support means; thirdmeans for supporting an engraving tool, said third means being operativeto position the cutting face of an engravIng tool along a radius fromsaid first axis of rotation, said third means being mounted on saidsupport means for rotation about said first axis of rotation andtranslation parallel to said first axis of rotation; fourth means forcoupling said third means to the pattern to be engraved, said fourthmeans including pattern tracing means, said fourth means being operativeto rotate and translate with respect to said first axis in response tomovement of said pattern tracing means in the pattern; said third meansdefining a second axis of rotation, said second axis of rotation beingperpendicular to said first axis of rotation and lying in a plane whichis parallel to a plane passing through said first axis of rotation; andguide means on said third means, said guide means being operative toengage the surface to be engraved and maintain the engraving tool inperpendicular relation thereto.
 2. A machine as defined in claim 1wherein said guide means lay substantially at the intersection of firstand second planes wherein said first plane passes substantially throughsaid first axis of rotation, and said second plane passes substantiallythrough said second axis of rotation.
 3. A machine as defined in claim 1wherein said third means includes a cross carriage, said cross carriagebeing supported on said support means for movement relative to saidfirst axis, a carrier, said carrier being pivotally coupled to saidcross carriage for rotation about said second axis, a surface follower,said surface follower being coupled to said carrier for pivotal movementabout a third axis of rotation, said third axis of rotation beingparallel to said first axis of rotation, and said surface followersupports said guide means.
 4. A machine as defined in claim 3 includingbiasing means for urging said surface follower to rotate about saidthird axis toward said first axis of rotation so that said guide meanscan engage a surface to be engraved.
 5. A machine as defined in claim 1including a chuck for an engraving tool, said chuck being coupled tosaid third means and being rotatable about said first and second axes ofrotation with said third means in response to movement of said patterntracing means.
 6. A machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said thirdmeans comprises a surface follower and a cross carriage, said surfacefollower supporting said guide means, said surface follower being anelongated member disposed transversally of said first axis of rotation,and means mounting said surface follower on said cross carriage forrotation about said second axis of rotation in response to engagement ofthe surface to be engraved by said guide means, and said cross carriageis mounted on said support means for movement relative to said firstaxis of rotation.
 7. A machine as defined in claim 6 wherein said meansfor mounting said surface follower comprises a spindle carrier, saidspindle carrier extending transversally of said first axis of rotationand being mounted on said cross carriage for rotation about said secondaxis of rotation.
 8. A machine as defined in claim 6 including means forurging said surface follower toward said first axis of rotation.
 9. Amachine as defined in claim 1 wherein said third means is coupled tosaid means defining said first axis of rotation by coupling means, andsaid coupling means is operative to selectively move said third meanstoward and away from said first axis of rotation.
 10. A machine asdefined in claim 1 including means for mounting the pattern to beengraved on said support means, and said mounting means is operative toposition the pattern in substantially coaxial relation with said firstaxis of rotation.
 11. A machine as defined in claim 10 wherein saidfourth means comprises a control arm, one end of said control arm beingcoupled to said support means for rotation about said first axis ofrotation and rotation in a plane passing through said first axis ofrotation, means coupling said tracing means to said control arm, anDmeans for coupling said control arm to said third means.
 12. A machineas defined in claim 1 wherein said fourth means comprises a control arm,one end of said control arm being coupled to said support means forrotation about said first axis of rotation and rotation in a planepassing substantially through said first axis of rotation, meanscoupling said tracing means to said control arm, and a rigid elongatedmember having one end coupled to said third means and its other endcoupled to said control arm.
 13. A machine as defined in claim 12including means for selectively displacing said other end of said rigidelongated member along said control arm so that its distance from saidfirst axis of rotation can be varied.
 14. A machine as defined in claim1 wherein said third means comprises a radially directed member mountedfor rotation about said first axis of rotation and extending to bothsides thereof, a cross carriage supported on said radially directedmember on one side of said first axis of rotation, means for driving anengraving tool, said driving means being supported on said radiallydirected member in substantially diametrically opposed relation to saidcross carriage to substantially counterbalance said cross carriage, saiddrive means being normally disposed between said first axis of rotationand said support means, and means on said radially directed member formoving said cross carriage radially of said first axis of rotation. 15.A machine for engraving a surface which is curved about a longitudinalaxis comprising support means, first means for carrying a pattern to beengraved on said curved surface, said first means being coupled to saidsupport means, second means defining a first axis of rotation, saidsecond means being mounted on said support means, a cross carriage,means coupling said cross carriage to said support means for rotationabout said first axis of rotation, said coupling means and said crosscarriage being in sliding engagement so that said cross carriage canslide on said coupling means along a path parallel to said first axis ofrotation, said cross carriage including means for defining a second axisof rotation, a spindle carrier, said spindle carrier comprising at leastfirst and second legs, said first leg being coupled to said crosscarriage for rotation about second axis of rotation, said second legcomprising means for supporting an engraving tool so that it lies alonga radius from said first axis of rotation, guide means for maintainingan engraving tool in perpendicular relation to said surface to beengraved, said guide means comprising a third member mounted on saidfirst leg for rotation about a third axis of rotation, and said thirdaxis of rotation is substantially parallel to and spaced from said firstaxis of rotation, and means for coupling said cross carriage to thepattern to be engraved.
 16. A machine as defined in claim 15 includingan engraving tool, said engraving tool being supported by said secondleg and overlying a portion of said third member, said third memberhaving an aperture at said portion to permit said engraving tool toextend therethrough, and two projections supported on said guide meansfor engagement with the surface to be engraved, and said projections arespaced along a plane passing through said first axis of rotation withsaid engraving tool disposed therebetween.
 17. A machine for engraving asurface which is curved about a longitudinal axis comprising; supportmeans, first means for carrying a pattern to be engraved on said curvedsurface, said first means being coupled to said support means; secondmeans defining a first axis of rotation, said second means being mountedon said support means, third means for supporting an engraving tool,said third means being operative to position the cutting face of anengraving tool along a radius from said first axis of rotation, saidthird means being mounted on said support means for rotation about saidfirst axis of rotation and translation parallel to said first axis ofrotation; fourth means for coupling said third means to the pattern tobe engraved, said fourth means including pattern tracing means and acontrol arm, one end of said control arm being coupled to said supportmeans for rotation about said first axis of rotation and rotation in aplane passing through said first axis of rotation, means coupling saidtracing means to said control arm, and a rigid elongated member havingone end coupled to said third means and its other end coupled to saidcontrol arm.
 18. A machine as defined in claim 17 wherein said patterntracing means includes a housing, said housing having a recess thereinfor receiving a stylus, said housing having a slot extendingtherethrough, a guide arm, said guide arm being coupled to said thirdmeans and being slidably received in said slot, and a link, said linkbeing pivotally connected at one end to said housing and at its otherend to said control arm.